Leitmotif 2025
Rethinking Retail
From Vision To Value
AI & RETAIL ANALYTICS
Artificial intelligence optimizes
Processes, increases efficiency and creates data-driven added value.
- GenAI in Retail
- Digital Twins & Simulation
- predictive analytics
- Automated pricing strategies
- Personalized recommendations
SUSTAINABLE RETAIL
Sustainability and profitability combined: Transparent supply chains and digital solutions for a green future.
- CO2 tracking & digital emissions
- Sustainable supply chains
- Circular business models
- Green logistics & last mile
- Regenerative materials
UNIFIED COMMERCE & MEDIA
Retail, media and commerce combine to create seamless, personalized experiences.
- Omnichannel & Personalization
- Retail Media & Data Ads
- AR, VR & Virtual Shopping
- Seamless Payment & Checkout
- Smart Stores & IoT
RETAIL NXT 2025 Program
Look forward to renowned experts and thought leaders from retail, technology, and research. Our speakers will share their experiences, present innovative ideas, and offer valuable insights into the future of the industry. Be inspired and benefit from the knowledge of leading figures in the retail world.
- 09:30
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- 10:30
- Main Stage
RETAIL NXT kicks off with a compact opening session that immediately focuses on the future: How is AI changing the retail world? How can sustainability and profitability be intelligently combined? And how...
- 10:30
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- 11:00
- 10:55
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- 11:00
- Xpo Stage
- 11:00
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- 12:00
- Masterclass A
Artificial intelligence (AI) promises enormous potential – but the path from initial idea to productive rollout and sustainable operation is complex. In this masterclass, we share our...
- 11:00
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- 12:00
- Masterclass B
Customer service in retail is at a turning point: moving away from hotlines and towards a personalized, AI-powered experience throughout the entire customer journey. In this masterclass, we'll show you how innovative...
- 11:00
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- 12:00
- Masterclass C
How can digital transformation succeed in retail – now and in the future? This panel discussion brings together leading figures in the industry to highlight the crucial building blocks of digital transformation. Dr....
- 11:00
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- 11:30
- Xpo Stage
An unstable network slows down checkout, customer experience, and sales. But how can this be reliably solved? In this session, Ericsson demonstrates how intelligent routers stabilize retail processes—and shares negative examples...
- 11:00
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- 11:30
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence is not an add-on feature. It is a structural transformation. Those who treat it like an app underestimate its impact – and miss its opportunities. In his keynote address, Jörg Hirt demonstrates...
- 11:30
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- 12:00
- Main Stage
adidas operates over 1.800 stores with more than 35.000 employees – the stores are the face of the brand and a central point of contact for our customers. Today, fragmented systems are slowing things down,...
- 11:30
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- 12:00
- Xpo Stage
Digital sovereignty is more than just a political buzzword – it's becoming a crucial factor for trust, competitiveness, and innovation in commerce. We show why choosing the right cloud infrastructure is so important today...
- 12:00
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- 13:00
- 13:00
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- 14:00
- Masterclass A
In this masterclass, we demonstrate how GenAI agents transform research projects in the grocery retail sector into tangible business results. You will experience how innovative technology leads to market-ready products that streamline processes and create entirely new...
- 13:00
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- 14:00
- Masterclass C
Whether single-channel or already AI-powered omnichannel excellence, each stage brings its own challenges. In this interactive workshop, participants will examine their current strategy using the omnichannel maturity model and work in small groups on practical solutions...
- 13:00
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- 13:30
- Xpo Stage
How does a traditional cosmetics brand with over 60 years of experience manage to be present in almost 50 countries while simultaneously ensuring innovation, speed, and quality? Asambeauty shows how! Thomas Feuring,...
- 13:00
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- 13:30
- Main Stage
In the dynamic world of retail, we are subject to constant change. Digital dependencies and global uncertainties pose immense challenges for our industry. But instead of succumbing to these risks,...
- 13:00
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- 14:00
- Masterclass B
In this hands-on masterclass, Capgemini and Celonis will demonstrate how agentic AI is revolutionizing trading processes. Learn how intelligent AI agents automate repetitive tasks, accelerate decision-making, and create end-to-end transparency. Together, we'll explore...
- 13:30
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- 14:00
- Main Stage
AI is transforming commerce – faster and more profoundly than expected. Generative and agentic AI are not just technological trends, but strategic levers for efficiency, differentiation, and new business models. Adobe demonstrates...
- 13:30
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- 14:00
- Xpo Stage
Everyone's talking about AI – we're talking about what needs to come first. • Our conviction: In SMEs, most digitalization initiatives fail not because of a lack of AI, but because of a lack of processes,...
- 14:00
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- 14:30
- Main Stage
Severin Canisius, CIO of Deichmann, provides answers. Specifically, the kind you can't find on Google. In his session "From Analog Shoes to Digital Business," Severin talks about his decisive choices...
- 14:00
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- 14:30
- Xpo Stage
In a time of increasing fraud attempts and rising customer expectations, MediaMarktSaturn – one of Europe's leading electronics retailers – has fundamentally transformed its digital and in-store customer experience. Larissa discusses this in the fireside chat...
- 14:30
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- 14:45
- 14:45
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- 15:45
- Shop of the Future
What happens when smart workflows, data, and AI agents in a store not only control processes but also create experiences? In this live tour, we'll show you how modern retail technology works together using real-world use cases...
- 14:45
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- 15:45
- Masterclass C
We're introducing FastLaner, our smart shopping cart, and discussing whether it overcomes the weaknesses of existing concepts. We want to hear about your experiences: – What solutions do you use? – What are your...
- 14:45
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- 15:15
- Xpo Stage
In this case study, samplistick and codecentric demonstrate how the beauty start-up went from concept to marketable app within just a few weeks, solving a sustainability problem in the process: the waste of unwanted cosmetic samples. Daniela...
- 14:45
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- 15:15
- Main Stage
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming e-commerce. Smart assistants, personalized recommendations, and automated processes are already a reality. But where is this all headed? In our panel, leading experts from various fields will discuss...
- 14:45
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- 15:45
- Masterclass A
Turn your customer experience into a decisive competitive advantage. In the Zendesk Masterclass "Smart Retail CX: AI for Excellence," you'll gain valuable insights and practical tips to future-proof your business...
- 14:45
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- 15:45
- Masterclass B
We are entering a new era at checkout: payment fades, connection grows. Retailers hold the key: daily customer contact, trusted brands, and data that – used responsibly – outweighs the...
- 15:15
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- 15:45
- Xpo Stage
A practical overview on how both shopping behavior and internal ways of working are rapidly changing with AI. I'll share statistics, adoption patterns, and real data from the field on...
- 15:15
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- 15:45
- Main Stage
What happens when a 138-year-old traditional company meets nerd culture? Artur Wagner, CDO of Braun Buffalo, and Jasmin Karatas, gamification strategist and innovation expert, speak openly about the clash – and...
- 15:45
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- 16:15
- Main Stage
Picnic uses AI to make its supply chain more efficient and sustainable. In this presentation, I will introduce key AI solutions along the supply chain and delve into a specific use case. Specifically...
- 15:45
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- 16:15
- Xpo Stage
How stores can use IoT, AI, and real-time data to create a seamless shopping experience. Digital processes automate tasks such as shelf maintenance, inventory control, and price updates, relieving the burden on employees and increasing efficiency. A store concept that improves profitability...
- 16:15
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- 16:45
- 16:45
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- 17:45
- Masterclass B
Strategies that rely on expensive platform migrations are outdated. Modern approaches demand flexible, scalable, and intelligent technologies – with a clearly measurable ROI. Adobe Commerce, in combination with...
- 16:45
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- 17:45
- Masterclass C
With Hanshow's digital twin solution, the store becomes more transparent than ever before: product positions, realograms, shelf status (out of stock), and the location of customers and employees are visible in real time. This creates optimal...
- 16:45
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- 17:15
- Xpo Stage
Today's customers expect advice, service, and brand experiences – online as well. Generative AI and conversational commerce enable personalized advice, tailored product recommendations, and effective customer service in real time. In this presentation, we will show...
- 16:45
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- 17:15
- Main Stage
The question is no longer whether, but how we sustainably integrate artificial intelligence into our companies – beyond hype, pilot projects, and glossy showcases. At the REWE AI Hub, we are building precisely that...
- 16:45
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- 17:45
- Masterclass A
Conversational/Agentic AI promises to revolutionize customer interaction – but what really works? In this masterclass, we'll take a close look: We'll debunk the hype, discuss typical pitfalls in...
- 17:15
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- 17:45
- Main Stage
How can AI create real, measurable added value in retail – beyond hype and theory? Tim Engler (Managing Director IT) and Jasmin Hartwig (Vice President Data, Analytics & AI) explain...
- 17:15
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- 17:45
- Xpo Stage
Exclusive insights into the life of a female founder and entrepreneur. Carolin Handschuh shares her story on stage. A profound and emotional founding story. A crisis can also be an opportunity...
- 17:45
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- 18:00
- Main Stage
What were the strongest impulses, most surprising quotes, and most discussed topics of the day? Alexis Tsingeni was there and sums up what moved the first day. A quick...
- 18:00
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- 18:30
- 18:30
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- 19:00
- Main Stage
Fast. Bold. Exciting. At the Newcomer Battle, innovative retail tech startups pitch their solutions live on the main stage – in just 5 minutes. The audience votes directly via app and chooses...
- 19:00
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- 00:00
Experience the spectacular RETAIL NXT networking event! As promised, a special act awaits you. Enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks as we wind down the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. Take advantage of...
- 07:30
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- 08:15
Fresh air, relaxed conversation, and a bit of exercise: Early risers from the retail sector meet for a morning run, enjoying plenty of good vibes. Meeting point: 7:30 a.m. in front of...
- 08:00
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- 08:45
Morning Yoga. Take a deep breath before the day really gets underway: Our morning yoga session ensures a clear mind, relaxed shoulders, and the right energy for day two. For all levels...
- 09:30
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- 09:45
- Main Stage
Kick off day two of the RETAIL NXT Conference. Be inspired by the outstanding presentations and discussions from the previous day and look forward to more top-notch sessions, innovative...
- 09:45
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- 10:15
- Main Stage
In a moderated discussion, Georg Kofler offers exclusive insights into his experiences as an entrepreneur, investor, and TV personality. He talks about crucial success strategies, entrepreneurial vision, and the art of recognizing opportunities early on...
- 10:15
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- 10:45
- Masterclass A
In this exclusive 30-minute round table discussion, 15 top decision-makers will discuss a highly topical issue for the future (by invitation only).
...- 10:15
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- 10:45
- Masterclass B
In this exclusive 30-minute round table discussion, 15 top decision-makers will discuss a highly topical issue for the future (by invitation only).
...- 10:15
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- 10:45
- Main Stage
Following the Retail Tech Radar from the RETAIL NXT Conference 2024, which assessed the level of digitalization in retail from a technological perspective, this year's RETAIL NXT study focuses on the actual implementation...
- 10:15
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- 10:45
- Xpo Stage
The importance of electromobility, the circular economy, and digitalization – and not least of all, people – is also evident in the retail sector: they are crucial drivers of a sustainable transformation along the entire value chain,...
- 10:45
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- 11:15
- 11:15
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- 11:45
- Xpo Stage
In an engaging panel discussion, Randy John, VP Product Development – Digital Store Solutions at Fressnapf, and experts from Zebra Technologies share their experiences with the biggest communication challenges in retail. Learn more...
- 11:15
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- 12:15
- Masterclass C
Henny & Stephan give you an overview of MediaMarktSaturn's generative AI capabilities: – Selection process for relevant AI cases at MediaMarktSaturn – Foundation: technical platform AI Enabler @MMS and human touch: AI...
- 11:15
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- 12:15
- Masterclass A
In this interactive masterclass, we will jointly analyze the biggest challenges and opportunities along the buying process – before, during, and after the transaction. Together, we will identify concrete levers that can be used to...
- 11:15
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- 12:15
- Masterclass B
- 11:15
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- 11:45
- Main Stage
Is data the new gold? Yes! But only if we use it correctly. Martina Novotny shows how smart data use can not only enable retailers to make better decisions, but also create entirely new business models...
- 11:45
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- 12:15
- Xpo Stage
An unparalleled level of interest in generative AI is driving organizations of all sizes to rethink their data strategy. Learn how Zalando experimented with ambiguous fashion domain data to turn...
- 11:45
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- 12:15
- Main Stage
Retail media is one of the fastest-growing advertising channels in the retail sector, but how do you get started? Desiree Mai and Daniel Grafe offer practical advice on how retailers can build up their retail media presence, which...
- 12:15
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- 13:15
- 13:15
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- 14:15
- Masterclass A
Loyalty programs are changing – not sometime in the future, but right now. Traditional CRM systems often react too slowly, too rigidly, and too generically. But today's customers expect the opposite: relevance, speed, and genuine connection.
- 13:15
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- 13:45
- Main Stage
How can technology in retail not only optimize processes but also drive innovation and engage people? Karen Funk, IT journalist and long-time liaison with the country's CIOs, explores this question...
- 13:15
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- 14:15
- Masterclass C
Customer identity makes retail businesses tick, but only if it's done the right way. Digital storefronts deal with UX and security challenges across the funnel–from converting more anonymous users and...
- 13:15
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- 13:45
- Xpo Stage
Imagine your branch thinking for itself – in real time. At its core is the Digital Twin, a digital representation of the store that makes all use cases visible and controllable...
- 13:15
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- 14:15
- Masterclass B
Virtual try-on, smart recommendations, chatbots: AI is rapidly changing retail. In this workshop, you'll learn which trends truly matter, how to derive concrete use cases from them, and how to achieve success.
- 13:45
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- 14:15
- Main Stage
Join Jörg on Otto's social commerce journey from 2020 to the launch of his TikTok shop in Germany. Learn more about general trends and figures and delve deep into...
- 13:45
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- 14:15
- Xpo Stage
- 14:15
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- 14:45
- Main Stage
Data and artificial intelligence are key to the future of retail – but they only reach their full potential when considered strategically and holistically. Christoph Kastaun, Director Digital &...
- 14:45
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- 15:30
- Main Stage
In just three months, 2026 will begin. Right now, retailers across Europe are setting budgets, priorities, and strategies. This session brings everyone to the table who helps shape where retail...
- 15:30
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- 15:45
- Main Stage